How does one make a point to point "bolt" of lightning using perlin noise or other algorithm?

Question

Every implementation I've come across of perlin noise generation has been for the generation of 2D terrain, etc. I cannot find a decent example of point to point lightning generation anywhere.

Are there many other forms of generating 'lightning'? I was told this is what I want. What algorithms exist for forked lightning, or 2D trees (I could turn this upside down for lightning maybe)

I work in multiple languages so examples in pseudo-code are OK also.

Answer 1

My understanding is that Perlin noise is designed so all of its patterns are close to one single "size", but lightning is a fractal with patterns at every "size". There may be a way to use several Perlin noise systems at different scales to make lightning, but perhaps one of these other methods would work better:

The midpoint displacement method is a very fast algorithm for generating shapes that look a lot like lightning. Alas, it only generates a (very jagged) lines between two points, never forks. There's some source code and pictures at http://www.krazydad.com/bestiary/bestiary_lightning.html

Probabilistic L-systems can be used to generate shapes that look like lightning. I see that at least one person abandoned Perlin noise and switched to L-systems in order to simulate lightning. http://www.grepart.com/showcase/content/lightning_paper.pdf

The stochastic Lichtenberg algorithm runs somewhat slower, but it is more physically realistic model of lightning and generates lots of forks. http://fisica.ciencias.uchile.cl/alejo/fractal_antenna/node7.html

Is this a dup of the "Best lightning generation\simulation algorithm?" question?